The business of media and entertainment

Sony Pictures Television to launch first Italian FTA channel

Sony Pictures Television has announced it will launch its first free-to-air channel in Italy next month.

Kids channel Pop will appear on screens from 4th May.

Following SPTN’s acquisition of Neko TV (LCN 45) from Television Broadcasting System, the channel will be rebranded as Pop and launch with a slate of premieres.

Kate Marsh, executive vice president of Sony Pictures Television’s Western Europe International Networks division said: “Today marks a new era in our European business, as we announce the launch of Pop – SPTN’s leading kids brand and first free-to-air channel in the growing Italian DTT market.

“Sony’s Pop television network has been a big hit with kids elsewhere in Europe and now we’re thrilled to launch the channel in Italy, offering kids and families popular programme franchises and first-run shows such as Kuu Kuu Harajuku,Wild Kratts and The Insectibles which will be completely new for Italian free-to-air audiences, and exclusive to Pop.”